Orthopaedics Flashcards
How is non-inflammatory, inflammatory, septic and haemorrhagic arthritis quickly distinguished on joint aspirate?
> 50’000 WCC’s or >75% neutrophils is highly suggestive of septic arthritis even if gram stain -ve
What is the conversion between WBC/mm3 to WBC/uL for joint aspirate analysis?
The same
2000/mm3 = 2000/uL
What is the sensitivity of a Gram stain of synovial fluid for bacteria?
29-50%
Thus a postive gram stain rules septic arthritis in but a negative one cannot rule it out
Which micro-organisms are unlikely to be seen on synovial fluid gram stain?
Mycoplasma
Mycobacteria
Fungi
Also early in the infection normal organisms may not be seen
When should septic arthritis still be suspected even if the gram stain is negative and crystals are present?
If the PMN ratio is >75%
If the WCC/mm3 or uL is >20,000
If the patient is clinically presenting as septic
What are the risk factors for septic arthritis?
Penetrating trauma/recent surgery to the joint
Poorly controlled diabetes
IVDU
Immunosuppression
Pre-existing arthritis in the joint (including gout)
Overlying soft tissue infection
Advanced age
Indwelling catheters
What are the most common organisms causing septic arthritis?
Staph aureus (most common)
Strep pneumoniae
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (immunosuppressed and IVDU)
Polymicrobial (trauma)
N. gonorrhoea (Active STI)
Mycobacteria/Fungi (immunosuppressed, indolent course)
Viral (Rubella, Dengue, Ross River, usually polyarthritis)
What is the Gustilo-Anderson classification for open fractures?
What is the Weber classification for ankle fractures?
In open wounds exposed to sea water, what organisms should be covered and with what agent?
Vibrio species
Doxycycline or Azithromycin or Ciprofloxacin
What is the basic management of an open fracture?
Clean the site (water +/- antiseptic)
Analgesia
Prophylactic ABx (Cefazolin etc)
Sedate then reduction
Plaster immobilisation
Keep elevated
Refer to orthopaedics for ORIF
What should always be assessed with fractures and dislocations?
Distal arterial pulses
capillary refill
Sensation and nerve function
Signs of compartment syndrome
How are upper limb nerve injuries quickly assessed for if injury below the elbow?
Radial- wrist drop, snuff box paraesthesia
Median- Lateral hand sensation, thumb abduction, ok sign
Ulnar- Medal hand sensation, finger abduction
What other structures are commonly injured with a tibial plateau fracture?
Medial collateral ligament
Meniscus on same side
What are the risk factors for achilles tendon rupture?
Male sex (5:1)
Older age
Sport (recreational 80% cases)
Flouroquinolone use
Glucocorticoids
Obesity
Pre-existing achilles tendinopathy